At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings 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 colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This anthology of retro platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration 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 nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames 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 complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
