Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off 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 resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment 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, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
