Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
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 rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, 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, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
