Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
