The Lowest-Rated Games of This Year, Per Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the awkward punctuation is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.