At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a minor strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
