Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a silly annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
