At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one 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
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, 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 "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year packed with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a silly annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. 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 makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
