Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a silly annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience 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 series 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, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
