At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
