Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a minor point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. 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 curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
