At every turn, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a dearth of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
