The Worst Games of the Year 2025, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 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 feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a notable annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.