Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User 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 competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust 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 largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year packed with stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a silly annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. 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 resurrected relic from the past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
