Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a minor annoyance. This collection of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. 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 modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop 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 not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection 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 satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
