Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, 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 driving sim from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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 town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
