At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year featuring excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with significant backlash from both critics and fans. Issues included a small character selection and a dearth of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
