The Lowest-Rated Titles of This Year, Per Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the best titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response 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 some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital 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 largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.