The Worst Games of This Year, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's 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 expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.