The Worst Games of This Year, Per Metacritic

Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their lists of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly became boring. 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, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.