Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Issues included a thin character selection and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
