Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a notable annoyance. This anthology of retro platforming games features a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
