Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming 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, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away 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 roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull 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, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
