Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable 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 Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
