Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
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 years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
