Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience 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 complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
