At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite 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
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections 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
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
