Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a dearth of features. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series 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 dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
