The Worst Games of the Year 2025, Based on Aggregate Scores

At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year featuring stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.