Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a minor annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
