The Lowest-Rated Games of 2025, According to Metacritic

Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the top games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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 complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment 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 virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.