At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the top titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the polished software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
