At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User 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 complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable annoyance. This collection of retro Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
