Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences 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
Metascore: 43, User 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 series of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
