Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
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 voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This anthology of retro platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of content. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
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 team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
