At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
