At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable point of contention. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
