Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best games 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. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a small roster of characters and a severe lack of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
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 collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded 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-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
