The Worst Games of 2025, Per Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the confusing punctuation is a minor point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing 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 strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.