At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections 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, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting 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 included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
