Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed 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 peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length 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 curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
