At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers opted to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
