The Worst Games of This Year, Based on Aggregate Scores

Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the irritating punctuation is a silly annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a small character selection and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.