Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong 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 garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable annoyance. This collection of retro Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
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 publishers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 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 emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
