At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, 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 piece of lost media from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, 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
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
