At every turn, gamers 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 moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. 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 professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The publishers opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
