At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a minor annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing 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
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
