Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a small character selection and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
