Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response 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. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
