Across the internet, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with significant backlash from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience 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 raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
