At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the top games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a minor strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a dearth of content. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
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 team behind it opted to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate 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 modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
