Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
