Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players 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 third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter 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 virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
