At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response 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 spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with stellar racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia 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 collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players 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 largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
