The Worst Games of the Year 2025, According to Metacritic

At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious contrast to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length 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 mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation 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 declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.