Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a minor annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a rude feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall 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 ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
