The Worst Games of This Year, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the awkward punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler encountered harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a small character selection and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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 turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.