Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
