Across the internet, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, 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
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
