At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings 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. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *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 poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
