The Lowest-Rated Video Games of the Year 2025, Based on Aggregate Scores

At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.