Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? We'll take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year packed with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish 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 niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
