Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience 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 complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
