Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
