Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly annoyance. This anthology of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
