Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to honor 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? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a minor annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
