Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
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 centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers 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 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, according to critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
