Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to channel a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
