Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year packed with excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
