The Lowest-Rated Games of This Year, Per Metacritic

At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.