Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a minor annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a rude feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey 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* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. 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, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
