Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
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 similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a silly annoyance. This anthology of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing 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 niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
