At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
