Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 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 some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
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 notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
