The Worst Titles of the Year 2025, Per Metacritic

At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter faced widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. 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 satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.