At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to channel a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost 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 development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
