The Worst Games of This Year, Based on Aggregate Scores

Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.

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 expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.