Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 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 feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong 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 studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a minor annoyance. This collection of retro platforming games revives a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers opted to release the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
