At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered significant backlash from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a severe lack of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
