The Lowest-Rated Video Games of This Year, According to Metacritic

At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.