At every turn, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year packed with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.