Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
