Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments 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? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a notable strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, 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 resurrected relic from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers 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 a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
