Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response 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. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
