Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital 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 received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with significant backlash from both critics and fans. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers opted to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
