Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a limited character selection and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
