At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
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. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience 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 unsatisfying collection 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, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.