At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions 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. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a silly annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to channel a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
