Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful 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, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
