At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that praised the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
