Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the delightful software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
