Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a small character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, 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 new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
