Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers opted to release the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
