At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the best games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. 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
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
