Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that noted the polished software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of basic activities 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 complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
