The Worst Games of This Year, Based on Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.