At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
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 voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted 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, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a minor point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
