2 hours ago
At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
