At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the polished software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities 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 dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
