At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in development hell. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter 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 virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment 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, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
