Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 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 expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
