At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a notable annoyance. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
