At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year filled with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
