At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was notably negative, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics 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 shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
