The Worst Games of the Year 2025, Per Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim 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 confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.