The Worst Games of the Year 2025, According to Aggregate Scores

Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.