The Lowest-Rated Video Games of 2025, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that praised the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin character selection and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.