At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? It's time to take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor annoyance. This collection of retro mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames 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 complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
