Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with harsh criticism from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique feel ultimately fell flat, 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 raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
