At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a notable annoyance. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
