Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a minor point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience 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
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
