Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year packed with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment 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 shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
