At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
