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

Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of retro platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. 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, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.