Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that highlighted the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a minor point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
