Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, 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
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
