Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a severe lack of content. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
