The Lowest-Rated Video Games of This Year, Per Aggregate Scores
Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a minor point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal 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 new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
