At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
