At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a rude feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
