Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games features a rude feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
