The Lowest-Rated Video Games of This Year, Per Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.