At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
