The Lowest-Rated Games of 2025, According to Metacritic

At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that praised the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration 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 past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.