Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings 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, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a notable annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop 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 new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that quickly 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 dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
