Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience 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 free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered significant backlash from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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 turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
