The Worst Games of This Year, Per Aggregate Scores
At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
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 similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller 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 Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience 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 basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
