Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? 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 disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year featuring excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.