The Lowest-Rated Video Games of This Year, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic
Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
