Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, 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, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
