At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced harsh criticism from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
