Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust 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 studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.