The Worst Games of This Year, According to Metacritic

Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

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 complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 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 legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was far richer than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User 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 series of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.