The Worst Titles of This Year, Based on Metacritic

Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 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 free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a silly annoyance. This anthology of retro platforming games features a rude feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game encountered significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks 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 depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.