Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of content. User reviews was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
