Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's 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 expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
