Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust 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 Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
