At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
