Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that praised the polished software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a silly annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment 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 departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
