At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience 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 spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
