Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews 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 showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a minor point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality 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 GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
