Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 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 voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a minor annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
