Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a minor annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull 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, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
