Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
