At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, 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 "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with significant backlash from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many 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 positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
