At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores 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 shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
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 developers opted to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, 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, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
