Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced significant backlash from both critics and players. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original 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 development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
