At every turn, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.