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

At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry 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 irritating colon usage is a notable annoyance. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. 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 Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal 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 minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.