At every turn, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro platforming games features a rude feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price 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 a very long time in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
