The Worst Games of This Year, Based on Aggregate Scores
Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
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 feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of 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
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that quickly 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 satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
