At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all 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 feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
