Across the internet, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, 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 Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin character selection and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
