At every turn, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be 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 minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter 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 virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
