Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
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 bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, 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, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences 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, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
