At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
