At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year featuring excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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 transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
