Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that noted the polished software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. User reviews was particularly negative, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, 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, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
