Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
