Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime 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 mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
