Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a minor annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
