Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag 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 years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics 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 makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
