Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
