The Worst Games of This Year, Based on Metacritic

At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software itself. Despite the debate, 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 "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.