At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the top titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a minor strike against it. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost 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 publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience 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 emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
