The Lowest-Rated Video Games of the Year 2025, According to Metacritic

At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year featuring excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the confusing title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games features a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.