Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the delightful software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a notable strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
