At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust 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 vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a notable strike against it. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences 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 a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
