At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User 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 spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that highlighted the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
