At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's 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 free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime 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 Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
