Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
