Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
