Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's 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 truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
