At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a silly annoyance. This collection of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
