At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions 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. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. 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 piece of lost media from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
