Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly negative, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
