At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 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 bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length 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, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
