Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
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 collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Issues included a limited character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration 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 Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. 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 serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
