At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a limited character selection and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, 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, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging 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 monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User 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 series of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
