Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced 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 "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
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 nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers opted to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
