Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response 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 some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted 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, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a small roster of characters and a severe lack of features. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
