The Worst Titles of This Year, Based on Metacritic

At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine 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 pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the polished 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, Audience Score: 3.2/10

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a notable strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.