Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? Let's take a few moments to examine 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? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
