Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of 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 driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a severe lack of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost 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 Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
