The Worst Titles of the Year 2025, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize 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, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.