Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
