At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with significant backlash from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, 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
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
