Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a minor strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic 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
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *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, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
