Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response 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. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a notable point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
