Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, 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 disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a minor strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
