Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
