At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an original product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal 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 town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
