The Lowest-Rated Video Games of the Year 2025, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? Let's take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the end product.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label 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 ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.