Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was notably negative, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
