Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a minor annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes 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 turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
