The Worst Games of This Year, Per Metacritic

Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the top games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter 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 virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.