Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year packed with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable annoyance. This compilation of retro platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences 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 digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
