Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor 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 reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an original product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
