Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out 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 sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
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 nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
