Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a notable strike against it. This collection of retro Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a desire 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 niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
