At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
