Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 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 bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a silly strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length 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 Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment 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 dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
