At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
