Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their selections of the top games 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. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience 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 made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
