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

Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the best titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter was met with significant backlash from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. 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 past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. 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 shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.