At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
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 bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that quickly 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 satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
