At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
