At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the top titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with excellent racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a notable annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
