Across the internet, fans 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 momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a notable annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a dearth of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
