Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
