Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a notable point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered significant backlash from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration 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, finally released after years and years in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
