Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? Let's take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that noted the polished software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year featuring excellent racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a minor annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
