The Worst Games of the Year 2025, Per Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a notable annoyance. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling oddity to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, 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

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.