Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games 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 monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
