At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other 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 strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
