The Worst Games of the Year 2025, Per Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions 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 spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the charming 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, User Score: 3.2/10

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a limited character selection and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.