Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers opted to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
