The Worst Games of This Year, Per Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a limited character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price 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 nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. 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 town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.