Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a silly annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 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 vapid collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
