At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's 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 feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
