There’s no question that the last five years have been a whirlwind for the gaming industry. Global COVID-19 pandemic complications, higher-than-ever living costs, gen-AI implementation, widespread layoffs, project cancellations, Trump’s tech tariffs — the list goes on. While it’s true that studios around the world are still feeling the effects, sometimes games are just, well, bad.

Whether gratuitous AI-generated “slop” or a dull and uninspired sequel, these 10 titles are ready to disappoint. All listed games were released after January 1, 2020, and sit at the bottom of review aggregator Metacritic’s lowest-rated games list. Scores range from 1 to 100 — 1, the worst thing you’ve ever played, and 100, the medium at its very best.

Tiny Racer (2020)

METACRITIC SCORE: 29

Tiny Racer is Metacritic’s lowest-rated game of the decade (so far). According to critic reviews, the game’s abysmal 29 out of 100 score is the result of nonsensical physics, glitchy gameplay, and frustrating controls. “With its bouncy physics and ludicrously aggressive AI, Tiny Racer feels unbalanced at best, completely unfair at worst,” reads a review from gaming outlet God is a Geek. “This makes for one of the least fun racers around.”

If you’re a glutton for punishment, you can pick up Tiny Racers for $10 via the Nintendo eShop. Good luck, buddy.

Postal 4: No Regerts (2022)

METACRITIC SCORE: 31

Unfamiliar with this one? Consider yourself lucky.

The Postal franchise is one of the industry’s most controversial. The first game follows an unnamed male protagonist who, after being convinced by voices in his head, “goes postal,” eventually making his way to an elementary school. The fourth game, according to those brave enough to endure it, is an unpolished, unfinished, bug-laden bust.

I’m no proponent of censorship, but I reckon Postal didn’t need a first entry, much less four.

Dawn of Fear (2020)

METACRITIC SCORE: 33

Dawn of Fear set out to breathe new life into the old-school survival horror genre, and while more forgiving fans of the genre might smile and nod their way through, many critics said its glitches and messy mechanics sully any attempt at gameplay.

The game is no longer available via Steam, though its listing shows “Mixed” user reviews.

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The Lord of the Rings: Gollum (2023)

METACRITIC SCORE: 33

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is a modern-day repeat of the infamous 1982 flop, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The key difference, though, is that this one isn’t in enough landfills. Thanks to unappealing visuals, a canonically dense narrative, and busted mechanics, Gollum‘s nightmarish release eventually led Daedalic Entertainment to abandon development entirely.

eFootball 2022 (2021)

METACRITIC SCORE: 34

Not every game needs photorealistic graphics, but when a game appears to abandon all concern for visuals, things can take a turn. That’s what happened to Konami’s eFootball, a soccer-centered title that feels more 2001 than 2021. Most critics’ complaints cited trash graphics, a lack of content, and shoddy controls.

I’ve not heard of this franchise until now, and at this rate, I think I’m better for it.

Fast & Furious Crossroads (2020)

METACRITIC SCORE: 35

So much for family, huh?

This one was initially put on the back burner during the COVID-19 pandemic, but unfortunately, they shipped it in August 2020. Just two years later, in April 2022, the folks at Bandai Namco pulled the game from all platforms. The critics that played, however, cited a superficial and unsatisfying story that’s prepared to crash at a moment’s notice.

Sanity of Morris (2021)

METACRITIC SCORE: 35

Sanity of Morris touted itself as a psychological horror, but the scariest part of the game was the game itself. Its super-short and unsatisfying story is only made worse by its suboptimal graphics. If you, too, want to test your sanity, you can grab a copy of Sanity of Morris on Steam for $14.99. Even if you left a shining review, I’m not sure the title could be saved from its Metascore of 35.

Flashback 2 (2023)

METACRITIC SCORE: 36

This sci-fi adventure sold itself as a spiritual successor to the 1992 game Flashback: The Quest for Identity, but instead of administering a heartwarming dose of nostalgia, it brought nothing but dissatisfaction. So dissatisfying, in fact, that Metacritic named Flashback 2 as the “Worst Game of 2023.”

If you have some morbid curiosity and, like, $15 in your pocket, then I have good news: Flashback 2 is available on Steam. Have (what abstractly resembles) fun!

MindsEye (2025)

METACRITIC SCORE: 37

The most recent bummer on this list, IO Interactive dropped MindsEye just a few months ago. Critics’ reviews said the game felt unfinished, unstable, and, frankly, boring. Sure, it looks nice at times, but it can only be so nice when gameplay is marred by screen tearing and stuttering. One of the worst parts? That $60 price tag. Please be joking.

Greyhill Incident (2023)

METACRITIC SCORE: 38

Greyhill Incident is short and not-so-sweet, according to some scathing reviews. “The Greyhill Incident has a great creepy atmosphere, so you’ll be really scared of the alien invasion,” a review from SECTOR.sk starts. “But that’s about all we can praise in the game. The rest is poor quality.”

As a genre, horror seems to always get the short end of the stick.

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