At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a minor strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
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 development hell. The developers opted to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
