Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing 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 quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost 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 nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire 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 remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
