At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? It's time to take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable annoyance. This compilation of retro platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong 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* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
