Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both critics and players. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 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 unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
