At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine 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? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo 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 appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers 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, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
