The Lowest-Rated Games of 2025, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This collection of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler was met with significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.