The Lowest-Rated Video Games of 2025, According to Aggregate Scores

Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10

First things first: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop 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

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.