Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
