At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
