Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller 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 overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience 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 mimic a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
