At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the polished software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead 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 included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
