Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
