Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, 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 studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
