The Worst Games of the Year 2025, Per Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling oddity to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.