Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a silly annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
