At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience 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. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
