Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes 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 departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of fans found value in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
