At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? Let's take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience 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 complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, 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, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
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 catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
