At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that noted 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 "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
