Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment 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, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
