Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's 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 voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was notably harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The publishers opted to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
