At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a silly annoyance. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length 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 past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away 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 tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
