Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? It's time to 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? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited character selection and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was notably harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims 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 narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
