Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
