At every turn, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a notable annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress 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 universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. 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, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
