The Worst Games of 2025, Based on Metacritic

Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a minor point of contention. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series 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, citing a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.