Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, 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 strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment 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 new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
