Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag 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, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing 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 major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
