At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
