Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a thin character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, 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 similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
