Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature 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
Think of the strategic 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 tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
