Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the polished software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting 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 industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
