At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year featuring stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a minor point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
