Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? Let's take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a silly point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
