At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo 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. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
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 developers made the decision to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
