At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in development hell. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing 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 notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
