The Lowest-Rated Titles of 2025, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the awkward colon usage is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.