The Worst Games of This Year, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. For many, 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 colon usage is a silly annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to channel a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 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 publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.