Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User 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 free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a notable point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small character selection and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series 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, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. 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. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
