At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
