Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor strike against it. This collection of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
