The Lowest-Rated Games of 2025, According to Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.

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 attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.