Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest releases 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, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised 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, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a minor point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
