At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland 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 titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
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 legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
