At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. 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 curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
