At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly point of contention. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
