Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a notable annoyance. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes 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 digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found fun in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
