Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter 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 digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
