At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor 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? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of retro mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience 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 unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation 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 counterpoint.
