At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
