The Worst Titles of This Year, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that noted the polished software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.

John Sanders DDS
John Sanders DDS

A technology journalist and cultural analyst based in London, focusing on digital innovation and its societal implications across the UK.