Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
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 Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The publishers opted to keep the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
