The Lowest-Rated Video Games of the Year 2025, According to Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

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 feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter 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 turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.