The Lowest-Rated Games of 2025, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10

The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a silly point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin character selection and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly became boring. 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, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.