The Lowest-Rated Video Games of 2025, Based on Aggregate Scores
At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from 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 call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.