At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's 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 competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
