Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a minor point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a rude feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered significant backlash from both critics and players. Issues included a thin character selection and a severe lack of features. User reviews was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
