At every turn, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
