Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This anthology of retro mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, 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
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities 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
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
