At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
