Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year featuring excellent racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
