The Lowest-Rated Games of the Year 2025, According to Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker 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 confusing punctuation is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.