The aggregator site Metacritic, having recently celebrated the highest-rated titles of the year, has now turned its attention to the other end of the spectrum. On January 6, 2026, it published its definitive list of the ten worst-reviewed video games of 2025, based on aggregated critic scores.
The Undisputed 'Winner' of 2025's Worst Games
Securing the dubious honour of the lowest-rated game is MindsEye, which achieved a paltry Metacritic average of just 28. This outcome was widely anticipated, as the game faced severe criticism immediately upon its launch in June 2025. Developed by Build A Rocket Boy and published by IO Interactive, the title was a prominent release due to its connection to former GTA producer Leslie Benzies and its link to the in-development platform 'Everywhere'.
Critics and players were united in their disdain. The game's user score sits at an even more damning 2.5 out of 10. Industry observers noted that the developer's decision not to send out review copies prior to release likely contributed to the low volume of critic reviews (only 12) and told its own story about the project's confidence.
Surprises and Notable Flops on the List
The second-worst game delivered a shock: a first-party Nintendo title. The mobile app Fire Emblem Shadows managed only a score of 37. Described as a poorly executed hybrid of tactics gameplay and social deduction, it was dropped without warning and failed to resonate with even the most dedicated series fans, earning a user score of 4.1.
Other noteworthy inclusions are Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator (Metascore 44), which was a frontrunner for worst game until MindsEye appeared, and Tamagotchi Plaza for Nintendo Switch 2 (Metascore 43). The latter was criticised for being a barebones, boring experience despite its family-friendly appearance.
The Full List of Critical Failures
According to Metacritic, the ten worst-reviewed games of 2025, with their scores, are as follows:
- MindsEye (28)
- Fire Emblem Shadows (37)
- Blood Of Mehran (38)
- Spy Drops (39)
- Gore Doctor (40)
- Tamagotchi Plaza – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (43)
- Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator (44)
- QUByte Classics: Glover (44)
- Scar-Lead Salvation (44)
- Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition (45)
The list serves as a stark reminder that high-profile backing, whether from veteran creators or major publishers like Nintendo, is no guarantee of quality. While the year's best games, such as Hades 2 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, were lauded, these titles represent significant missteps that captured the negative attention of critics and players alike.
