Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter 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 digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
