Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year featuring excellent racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
