Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
