Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting 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. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
