At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the polished software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
