At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. 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 turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
