At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong 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 Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a silly point of contention. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal 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 departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
