At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a small character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
