Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games features a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of features. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
