Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences 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 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 shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
