Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from 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, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
