Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's 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. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that highlighted the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
