The Lowest-Rated Titles of the Year 2025, Per Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10

First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable 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 studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the confusing title grammar is a minor point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.