At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
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 expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a notable strike against it. This collection of retro Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, 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 scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
