At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year featuring stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
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*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
