Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their selections of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling 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 shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
