Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a minor annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
