At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable annoyance. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration 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 Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to preserve 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 remarked that the tale of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
