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

Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour 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? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. User reviews was notably negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead 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, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove 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 tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.