Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the top titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on 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, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
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 essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
