Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing 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 pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the polished software itself. In spite of 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 "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences 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 departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
