At every turn, fans are quick to share their lists of the top games of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, 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 "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced significant backlash from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. 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
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
