At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
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 Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
