Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, 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 "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of retro platforming games features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with significant backlash from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter 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 makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
