The worst game of 2025, according to Metacritic

 

We have finally reached December, the final month of 2025. Just a few days ago, the winners of The Game Awards 2025 were officially announced. We would like to congratulate Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for sweeping several major awards, as we previously reported.

While we’ve celebrated the best of the year, it’s now time to look at the other side of the spectrum: the worst games of the year. While many outlets have their own takes, Metacritic remains the most definitive source for performance scores. Someone has recently compiled a list of the lowest-rated titles released in 2025 based on their data. Let’s dive in and see which titles earned the title of the 'Worst Games of 2025

Before we dive into the list, it is essential to explain for those who may not know: What is Metacritic, and why do so many outlets use it as a primary reference? Metacritic is currently regarded as the most reliable platform for review aggregation. It functions as a Review Aggregator, collecting reviews and scores from reputable media outlets worldwide to calculate a definitive average for various forms of media, including video games. By consolidating scores from both professional critics and general users into one place, the resulting 'Metascore' provides a balanced and credible perspective, free from the bias often found in single-source reviews

Now, let’s take a look at the most notorious title of the year. Taking the #1 spot for the worst game of 2025 is MindsEye, which plummeted to a staggering score of 28 out of 100 on Metacritic. Developed by a new indie studio founded by Leslie Benzies, the former producer of the Grand Theft Auto series, expectations were sky-high. Fans believed that a project led by a GTA veteran would be nothing short of a masterpiece. However, since its June release, MindsEye has been slammed as a bug-ridden mess with tedious gameplay and so little content that it fails to justify its $60 (1,890 THB) price tag. Metro GameCentral didn't hold back, stating: 'One of the worst video games of the modern era; it is clearly unfinished and not worth a single second of your time.' To anyone who already spent their hard-earned money on this—you have our deepest sympathies

Coming in at #2 is Fire Emblem Shadows on iOS, which suffered a disappointing score of 37 out of 100. This marks a rare stumble for the Nintendo brand. GameSpot commented on the title, noting: 'The ideas here are quite good and interesting on paper. Unfortunately, Fire Emblem Shadows’ most creative ideas are constantly at odds with its nature as a mobile, free-to-play game. This makes it a poor fit for Fire Emblem fans and difficult to recommend to anyone else.' It seems that even a beloved franchise can't always overcome the pitfalls of the mobile gaming format

Taking the #3 spot is Blood of Mehran, an indie hack-and-slash action game inspired by the legendary tales of the Arabian Nights. Despite its rich source material, the game has been heavily panned for its dated graphics and archaic gameplay mechanics. Critics also found the narrative largely uninspiring. GameOver.gr gave a scathing review, stating: 'It’s nearly impossible to find any redeeming qualities in Blood of Mehran. It is a lifeless, derivative action game that fails to offer even a shred of originality or distinction.' It serves as a stark reminder that a great setting alone isn't enough to save a poorly executed game

Ranked at #4 is Spy Drops, a title that immediately gives itself away as a blatant imitation of the original Metal Gear Solid on PS1. The game struggled to impress, scraping together a meager score of 39 out of 100. Finger Guns delivered a crushing critique, stating: 'Spy Drops tries so hard to be a love letter to the first Metal Gear Solid, but it fails in almost every department. From its clumsy camera and laughably outdated AI to game-breaking bugs, there is virtually nothing to recommend here. It’s a poorly executed clone that makes you wish you were just playing Solid Snake’s original adventure instead. Don’t waste your time.' With a review that scathing, it’s safe to say this is one mission you should definitely skip

Rounding out the top five is Gore Doctor, which scraped by with a score of 40 out of 100. This survival horror title is the kind of experience that leaves players with a headache, tempting them to quit almost immediately due to its dismal narrative, abysmal controls, and subpar graphics—all compounded by a myriad of technical issues. PlayStation Country summed it up perfectly, stating: 'Gore Doctor aims to be a creepy, visceral, and psychological horror experience, but ultimately, it just feels cheap. The presentation is poor, and the game suffers from an identity crisis—trying to be everything at once but failing to excel at anything.' It is a grim reminder that ambition without execution often leads to a hollow experience

This is just a small sample of the list. If you're interested in seeing the full rankings, you can visit Metacritic (link provided in the sources below). For those curious to see if these games are truly as bad as they say, feel free to give them a try. However, if you’ve already purchased any of these titles and experienced their shortcomings firsthand—as Metacritic described—you have our sincerest sympathies. As for which games will make the 'Worst of the Year' list next year, stay tuned! We will be back in December 2026 with a new update. Make sure to follow us so you don't miss out!