Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer 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 garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a minor annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered harsh criticism from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
