At every turn, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
