At every turn, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
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 voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a rude feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to channel a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
