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

At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious oddity to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.