The Worst Titles of the Year 2025, Per Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a minor strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly negative, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was far richer 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. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.