At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from 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 competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a notable strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
