Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible 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 heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software itself. Despite 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
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a minor point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers opted to keep the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull series 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 profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
