Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one 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
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games revives a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
