At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that noted 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 driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
