Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor annoyance. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a limited character selection and a dearth of content. User reviews was especially harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
