At every turn, fans are quick to share their lists of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance 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 vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its short length 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 past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
