The Lowest-Rated Video Games of This Year, Based on Aggregate Scores

At every turn, gamers are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.