The Worst Games of This Year, Based on Aggregate Scores

Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.