Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a minor strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections 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
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
