Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
