At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
