Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. 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
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a notable strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a limited character selection and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to channel a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User 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 dull assortment 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 complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
