Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? We'll take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. 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 turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
