At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
