Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both critics and players. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes 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 new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
