Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers opted to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
