At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
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 voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
