At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored 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 harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling 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 departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
