Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
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 feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a severe lack of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
