Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions 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 scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just 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, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Issues included a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price 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 mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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 shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
