Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. 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, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
