At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed 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 contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series 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 complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
