Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with significant backlash from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
