Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a notable point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal 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 new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
