Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of retro platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a small character selection and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics 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 shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
