At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the polished software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
