Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User 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 complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year filled with stellar racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, 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, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
