Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and players. Issues included a thin character selection and a dearth of content. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
