The Worst Games of the Year 2025, Per Aggregate Scores

Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.