Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and fans. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
