At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Issues included a limited character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration 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 Xbox era, launched after years and years in production delays. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
