At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year packed with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a minor annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences 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
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
