Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's 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 free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. 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 Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
