At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced 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 harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a silly strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and players. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
