At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User 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 similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
