At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a notable strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare 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
Positioned as a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
