Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
