The Lowest-Rated Games of the Year 2025, Per Aggregate Scores

Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to recreate 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 Xbox era, launched after years and years in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series 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 dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.