At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful 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 piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
