Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title 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 spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, 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 shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
