At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, 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 "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
