The Worst Games of 2025, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers 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 a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.