Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, 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 "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
