Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest releases 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. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of content. User reviews was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games 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 a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
