Everywhere you look, enthusiasts 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 recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with significant backlash from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
