Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. 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 depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
