Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented 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 was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a notable annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
