At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a minor annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience 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 vapid series of basic activities that very soon became boring. 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 satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
