At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust 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 was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, 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, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
