Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless 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
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of retro platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
