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

Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly strike against it. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.

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 pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.