At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off 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 curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
