Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers opted to release the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
