Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a silly annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
