The Lowest-Rated Titles of This Year, Based on Metacritic

At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10

Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10

To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.