At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad 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 heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. 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 makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to 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 team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
