The Lowest-Rated Video Games of 2025, Per Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the irritating colon usage is a minor annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.