Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour 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? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
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 a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
