Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
