Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a thin character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
