The Lowest-Rated Video Games of This Year, Based on Metacritic
Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that praised the charming software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a silly annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
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 minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. 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 piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics 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, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
