The Lowest-Rated Games of 2025, According to Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price 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, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic 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 a slog, 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

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.