At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? Let's take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced significant backlash from both critics and players. Issues included a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
