At every turn, fans are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
