Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
