The Lowest-Rated Video Games of the Year 2025, Per Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling oddity to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.