The Lowest-Rated Video Games of This Year, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.