At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped 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 more generous reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in development hell. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
