Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a minor annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia 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 Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
