At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a minor point of contention. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
