The Worst Games of 2025, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a unique gameplay loop 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 resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.