At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the top titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. User reviews was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
