Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
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 feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year packed with excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a silly strike against it. This anthology of retro platforming games features a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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 transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks 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 complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
