Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their lists of the top games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
