At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust 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 European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
