The Worst Games of the Year 2025, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator 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, Audience Score: 3.4/10

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter was met with significant backlash from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection 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, citing a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.