Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. 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 slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length 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 past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly 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 depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
