Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
