At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes 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, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
