Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
