At every turn, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a notable strike against it. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some stating a hope 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 gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers opted to release the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
