Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a silly annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
