The Worst Games of This Year, Per Aggregate Scores

At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that praised the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.