Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a silly annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure 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 motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter 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 digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
