At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences 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
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
