At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible 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 showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics 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 turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
