The Worst Games of the Year 2025, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin character selection and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

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, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.