Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a notable strike against it. This collection of retro Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly negative, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
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 bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players 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 a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
