Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
