Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's 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 voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
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 core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
