Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
