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

At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, 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

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.