At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that praised the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a notable annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
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 nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. 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 makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
