The Worst Games of This Year, Based on Metacritic

At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of 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

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.