Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer 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 studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to keep the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
