Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter 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 virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
