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

Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the irritating title grammar is a minor point of contention. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and players. Issues included a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers opted to keep the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, 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, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.