The Worst Titles of This Year, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

First impressions to this showcase title were shaped 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 more generous appraisals that praised the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.

Steven Porter
Steven Porter

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on society.