At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers opted to keep the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
