Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal 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 departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
