Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software itself. Despite 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
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics 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 not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience 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 vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
