Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a minor annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
