At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games features a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. 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, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, 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 virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
