Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor annoyance. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. User reviews was particularly negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter 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 new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
