Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions 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 similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series 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 dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
