Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a silly strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
