Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response 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 scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
