Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience 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 varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a notable annoyance. This collection of retro platforming games revives a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique experience 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 full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes 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 makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
