The Worst Games of This Year, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 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 ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.