At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year filled with excellent racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a notable strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
