Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite 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 vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style 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 gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
