Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
