At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the polished software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong 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 European developers received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series 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, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
