Across the internet, fans are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
