Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor annoyance. This collection of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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 town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
