The Lowest-Rated Video Games of the Year 2025, Based on Metacritic

Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this tech demo 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 varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that praised the charming software itself. In spite of 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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.