Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
