At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its short length 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 mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
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 unsatisfying collection of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
