Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
