At every turn, gamers are quick to share their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? Let's 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 their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong 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 studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities 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
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
