At every turn, fans are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be 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 notable strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small character selection and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics 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 virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
