Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.