Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience 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. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
