Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year packed with excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This compilation of retro platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
