Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year featuring excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
