The Worst Games of This Year, Per Aggregate Scores

Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. 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 past, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.