Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with excellent racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a silly strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
