Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless 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 "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
