Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year featuring excellent racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted 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 *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful 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 piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
