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

Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling oddity to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.