The Worst Games of the Year 2025, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful 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, User Score: 3.2/10

Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This anthology of retro platforming games features a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious contrast to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited character selection and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was especially harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.