Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. 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 resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
