Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
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 complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a silly annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics 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 minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
