The Worst Titles of This Year, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.