At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 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 bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of retro platforming games features a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
