Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin character selection and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance 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 bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. 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 transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
