At every turn, fans are quick to share their lists of the top games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
