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

Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a dearth of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, 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, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a rare contrast.