Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, 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 "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a notable point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
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 Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
