The Lowest-Rated Games of This Year, Based on Aggregate Scores

At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised 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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a silly annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the end product.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.