At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a limited character selection and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
