Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
