Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a minor annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall 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 a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing 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 GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
