Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited character selection and a severe lack of features. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. 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 addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
