Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 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. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. 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 turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
