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

Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the irritating punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more interesting than the end product.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks 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 dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.