Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
