At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
