Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year packed with excellent racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that rapidly 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
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
