Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their lists of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced significant backlash from both critics and fans. Issues included a small roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure 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 gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
