Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
