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

Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year featuring excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a notable annoyance. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of content. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.

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 Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the end product.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic 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

Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.