The Lowest-Rated Titles of the Year 2025, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a minor annoyance. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *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 tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment 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, citing a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.