At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of retro platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
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 collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal 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 new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
