At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to 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
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a notable strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games features a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
