Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
