Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
