Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
