Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 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 some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer 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 was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
