The Lowest-Rated Video Games of the Year 2025, According to Aggregate Scores

At every turn, fans are quick to share their lists of the best titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler was met with significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.

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. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.