At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital 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 European developers received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well 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 Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length 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, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
