At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact 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 keep the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora 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 few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
