Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
