Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson 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 rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
