At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions 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. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
