Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital 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 European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly annoyance. This collection of retro platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
