At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. 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. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
