Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
