Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year featuring excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
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 centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
