The Worst Games of the Year 2025, According to Aggregate Scores

Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic 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 premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment 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 virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.