Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. 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
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a minor annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
