The Worst Titles of This Year, According to Metacritic

Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.