Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a silly annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players 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
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
