At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
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 collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
