At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a minor annoyance. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. 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
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
