The Lowest-Rated Video Games of This Year, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the awkward colon usage is a silly annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was far richer than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.