Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour 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? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a notable annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
