Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored 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 scathing critiques to more generous takes that noted the polished software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
