At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
