Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a minor annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers opted to release the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
