Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a silly point of contention. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
