Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a silly annoyance. This collection of retro mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion 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, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
