Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 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. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
