Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length 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 Xbox era, launched after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove 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 poorly executed. 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 transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
