Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Issues included a thin character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
