Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
