Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year featuring stellar racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a silly strike against it. This anthology of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Issues included a small character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment 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 departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
