At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes 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 digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
