At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. 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 driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, 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 awkward title grammar is a silly annoyance. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers opted to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
