Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal 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 new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
