Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with significant backlash from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
