Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User 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 bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a notable annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
