Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title 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 spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive 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 encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out 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 its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
