Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
