At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the polished 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
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
