Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop 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 vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. 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 mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
