Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the top titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, 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 "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
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 rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
