Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital 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 garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of retro platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration 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, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
